Growing Paynes

Happy Valentine's Day to all our friends and family! We began celebrating at our house last night. After our annual Valentine Banquet at church, we headed to Wal-mart to get brownie mix, etc. for a get together with all the homeschoolers at our church. As we were about to leave, Hayden got the "deer in headlights" look and said, "Mom, you need to just go on to the van, Daddy & I will finish up". Of course, I overheard him loudly whisper to Jimmy that they had not gotten me anything for Valentine's Day. So we split up, so they could accomplish the mission.


When we got home, Hayden was insistant that we exchange valentines then, "So Daddy can see you when you get it". I told him we could wait till tonight, but that wouldn't do. (Oh, did I mention, he wanted his present, too!) So, I went and sat dutifully on the couch with my eyes closed, until directed otherwise. When I opened them this is what I saw......





I got a 'new pal', as Hayden called it. Oh yeah, and the chocolate rose. "Its a flower and chocolate all in one, MOM! " What more could a girl want? Hayden asked me if I had named the dog yet; and when I couldn't quite come up with a name, he suggested "Hot Dog". So, Hot Dog it is. As he started to bed last night, he asked if Hot Dog could sleep with him, or did I really want to sleep with Hot Dog. I assured him our bed was not an adequate size to accomodate us and the dog, so he need to care for it on my behalf. So, that he did.....

Before bed last night, we made valentines for the party today. Here is his creation for the boys. It is complete with a pop-up on the inside. The things he thinks of...

I was put in charge of the girl valentines, but sorry, I didn't take a picture. They were a little more colorful, but no pop-up!

We had a great time at the party. It was the first time that all the homeschoolers from our church have had a get together with all the children. (The mom's have supper once a month, which is wonderful!) It was neat to see them all at one time. We had 31 children and 11 moms. We were only missing about 3 children, besides the 4 teenagers who didn't want to join us. I am so thankful for this wonderful group, who are always encouraging each other in our endevors. (I plan to post a picture of this later.)

Tonight we opted for take-out from Conestoga. I really didn't feel like waiting in a crowd for supper. Jimmy said we made a wise choice; that the wait was over 1 hour. After supper, we visited grandparents & cousins to share a small valentine.

Well, I'd better get some rest after such a day! I plan to take pics at golf tommorrow, so I will post over the weekend.